Factors of bias in spheroid-based drug screening: Fabrication method, spheroid size, and cell viability - 11/11/25
, Bongseop Kwak a, b, ⁎ 
Abstract |
Spheroids have emerged as powerful tools in drug screening by providing a physiologically relevant environment that more closely mimics in vivo conditions compared to 2D cultures. Despite these advantages, experimental outcomes using spheroids are often influenced by considerable variability and bias. This review explores three key factors that affect the evaluation of drug efficacy in spheroids, including fabrication method, spheroid size, and cell viability. First, it compares five commonly used spheroid fabrication platforms, outlining their principles, advantages, and limitations. Second, it examines biological contributors to spheroid size variation, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, protein expression, and cellular differentiation, and how they affect drug response. Third, it discusses how features such as hypoxic core development and anoikis sensitivity affect cell viability and potentially distort toxicity assessments. This review presents a conceptual framework for minimizing bias and improving reproducibility in spheroid-based drug screening.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
Highlights |
• | Understanding sources of bias in spheroid-based drug screening is essential for ensuring reliable and reproducible results. |
• | Key contributors to bias include fabrication methods, spheroid size, and cell viability, each significantly impacting drug response outcomes. |
• | Spheroid behavior arises from a complex interplay of biological and mechanical factors, rather than a single determinant. |
Keywords : Spheroid-based drug screening, Bias, Fabrication method, Spheroid size, Cell viability
Plan
Vol 192
Article 118597- novembre 2025 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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